Posts Tagged ‘internet car’

NHTSA chief David Strickland insists drivers don't need to be "connected" at all times.

The technology is now available to offer pretty much any high-tech service a motorist might want, from in-car Internet access to live video on the go, but the nation’s top safety regulator threw some cold water in the face of those who’d like to capitalize on these lucrative technologies at the potential risk of those on the road.

“I’m just putting everyone on notice,” proclaimed David Strickland, the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A car is not a mobile device,” he said, without irony, during an appearance at the Telematics Detroit 2011 conference. “I’m not in the business of helping people Tweet better. I’m not in the business of helping people post on Facebook better.”

The high-tech and automotive industries have found common ground in recent years. Automakers, as well as aftermarket vendors, are offering an array of new features that can be stuffed into the passenger compartment. There’s onboard mapping, of course, as well as real-time traffic and weather. Motorists can find the cheapest local gas station, listen to Internet radio and have their text messages and e-mail read out in a synthesized voice.

All manner of new apps and systems are being unveiled at the telematics conference. And for good reason. The rise of the smartphone has clearly underscored the public’s appetite for technology they previously could only get at home or in the office – if at all.

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Advanced systems, such as Ford’s popular Sync, have been shown to improve brand recognition and owner loyalty – and can generate substantial revenue streams, as well.

But there’s a down side to the telematics revolution, underscored by government estimates that thousands of motorists and pedestrians are being killed each year due to driver distraction.